For those unfamiliar, GrapheneOS is a privacy and security enhanced custom ROM endorsed by Snowden. Despite these big names, plenty of people give it backlash

Even @TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml gives it backlash despite being a moderator of Lemmy’s biggest privacy community. A quote here: “grapheneOS trolls are downvoting every single post and comment of mine, and committing vote manipulation on Lemmy. They are using 5-6 accounts.” That was in response to downvotes on a comment posted in the c/WorldNews community, which is entirely unrelated to technology.

One of the reasons is that GrapheneOS can only be installed on Google Pixels due to security compatibility, which makes complete sense considering Android should be most compatible with Google’s own devices. GrapheneOS even lists the exact reasons they chose Pixels, and encourage people to step up and manufacture a different supported device.

One year ago, Louis Rossmann posted this video outlining his reasons for deleting GrapheneOS. Mainly, he had multiple bad experiences with Daniel Micay (the founder and main developer of GrapheneOS) which put his distrust in the GrapheneOS project. Since then, he has stepped down and will no longer be actively contributing to the project.

So, I am here to learn why exactly people still do not like GrapheneOS.

    • TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml
      0·
      1 year ago

      CalyxOS or LineageOS, if you really must use or have a Pixel. Put AFWall+ or Invizible Pro with a nice HOSTS ruleset like Hagezi, educate yourself a bit on permissions for apps, use Firefox with uBlock Origin similar settings to desktop, and have fun!

      Getting privacy and solid security is not hard on Android. Android across the board on any mainstream brand is very secure, as they all follow AOSP bulletin guidelines for security patching. It’s the little mistakes user makes that become a problem. Remember PEBKAC rule.

      Instead of Pixel, I suggest using common SoC hardware phones, and trying to limit “privacy” stuff you do on your phone in the first place. For that, use a Linux computer. Or if you want to dial up things (very niche), TailsOS. Do not make your phone the only computer, like most people are doing nowadays. Big mistake.

      • MrSoup@lemmy.zip
        0·
        1 year ago

        Thanks for the alternatives.

        I’m currently using a used ('cause fuck Google, you’re not gettin my money) Pixel phone with GrapheneOS (since my Pinephone stopped turning on) with TrackerControl and InviZible Pro. Is nice having a real clean AOSP rom with privacy/security customization.

        GrapheneOS also provide an indeed cool feature: a proxy for Android services provided by Google, like Attestation key provisioning, Widevine provisioning, SUPL and PSDS. Does CalyxOS and/or LineageOS provide something like this?
        Thanks in advance.

        • TheAnonymouseJoker@lemmy.ml
          0·
          1 year ago

          Calyx does cover attestation key provisioning, Widevine support, and about SUPL, it says this.

          supl.google.com

          SUPL is an optional assistive GPS (A-GPS) service that allows the device to much more quickly get a GPS lock. When A-GPS is turned on, the request for GPS satellite information that CalyxOS makes to Google servers utilizes TLS and does not include the device’s IMSI or phone number unless an emergency call is made.

          No IMSI or phone number is fine. If you want to be so adamant about this, just use LineageOS that allows microG with a non Google location provider.

          As for PSDS, its not really beneficial or needed. PSDS reduces GNSS power usage by reducing the time needed to get a lock.